What should you know about itching all over the body?

Generalised itching may result from dry or irritated skin, an allergy, a medicine, infection, or a condition affecting the liver, kidneys, thyroid, blood, or nerves. It can occur with or without a visible rash. The pattern, duration, skin changes, new products, medicines, and accompanying symptoms help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Some cancers can present with itching, including Hodgkin Lymphoma, but itching alone does not establish cancer. Itching in the vulval area has its own range of causes; persistent changes should be examined rather than self-diagnosed as Vulvar Cancer. The direction matters: the condition can present with itching, while itching does not show that the condition is present.

Use a fragrance-free moisturiser, lukewarm rather than hot water, gentle cleanser, and loose breathable clothing. Keep nails short and try a cool compress instead of scratching. Record when the itch began, where it is worst, whether there is a rash, and any new medicine, food, detergent, or travel exposure. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.

Arrange a medical review if itching persists, disturbs sleep, returns repeatedly, or has no clear skin trigger. The clinician may inspect the skin and review medicines and general symptoms before deciding whether tests are appropriate.

Seek emergency help if itching begins with swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, or widespread blistering. Arrange prompt assessment for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe weakness, fever with a rapidly spreading rash, or unexplained weight loss with drenching night sweats. These warning signs require evaluation but do not point to one diagnosis by themselves.

Is there a rash or skin condition that explains the itch? Could a medicine or underlying health problem be contributing? Which symptoms should make me seek urgent help? Would blood tests or other checks be useful? If the itch continues, when should I return, and should a specialist assess the skin or another body system?